Is a specialist assessor for autism in girls still necessary?

[PickleFish]

A friend is considering having her 14 year old assessed for some type of neurodiversity; it's a somewhat unclear picture, and she is wondering whether she should be looking for someone who is experience specifically in autism in girls and how it presents differently, or whether these days, all assessors are experienced enough to recognise it, even if the more unusual or atypical cases. I said I would ask on here for her - she is happy to travel if it would mean that she would be more likely to get an appropriate assessment in a possibly borderline case or mixed types of neurodiversity. She would be looking for private, preferably someone without a very long waiting list as her daughter has started the GCSE course and will start to have exams and more pressure soon. Any recommendations for suitable educational psychologists (or other services if that is who does this sort of assessment) in north or central London or east England counties would be appreciated.

Unless it is a complex case, I don’t think you need someone who specialises in assessing girls. Someone who has experience will be enough, IMO.
While EP may be part of an MDT undertaking autism assessments, they can’t diagnose alone. The London Autism Assessment Practice is excellent. Dr Maite Ferrin is also in London and brilliant, especially if ADHD might be an issue.

Thank you; that's really helpful. There is possibly some inattentive ADHD/executive function difficulties, and also some oppositional behaviours/anxiety and low self esteem coming out as defiance etc; some sensory issues; not so much of the need for routine or special interests, or difficulties with change. The oppositional/defiant behaviours might make the assessment difficult because they may make her mask in that setting or deny issues.

A good assessor will be able to see masking and demand avoidance for what it is.